Clubs briefed over StarTimes sponsorship, officiating, others
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has briefed the 18 participating clubs in the Ghana Premier League (GPLA) on Tuesday about relevant issues in relation to the ongoing league season.
The issues that were discussed at the meeting included officiating; the StarTimes broadcast rights deal, integrity issues amongst others.
On the StarTimes broadcast deal, it was revealed that Premier League clubs were told the total amount expected from StarTimes for the 2019/20 season which was $700,000 out of which each club will receive an amount $30,000 (18 X30 Clubs= $540,000).
The remaining amount will be used to partially support administrative, the merit awards for positioning on the league table and officiating expenses.
On the second year, (2020/21 season), a total Premier League – $750,000 will be disbursed the year; FA Cup will expend a total of $200,000 with visibility support to DOL and Women football attracting a total amount of $50,000 totalling $1,000,000.00.
The third year (2021/22 season) will attract a package of $800,000 with the FA Cup,
attracting an amount of $200,000 and $50,000 for Visibility support to DOL and women football, all totaling $1,100,000.00.
The final season will mark an increase for the Premier League clubs with a budget of $850,000 with FA Cup budget pegged at $200,000 and visibility support to DOL and women football also set at $50,000.
According to an FA statement, the total cost of officiating for the season (Referees and Match Commissioners) is GH¢1,377,000 and reminded that head coaches were mandated to attend post match Press Conferences after every league match and also advised to ensure that coaches and players conduct pre-match press conferences ahead of matches.
The club officials were also told that the Referees Committee as part of their functions, reviews the league matches and makes recommendations for some referees to be sanctioned or commended.
The meeting also discussed the role of the GFA Compliance and Integrity Officer.
“The GFA Compliance and Integrity Officer has been engaged to deal with all integrity-related legal matters, betting as well as match-fixing and match manipulation,” the statement said.
The GFA advised club officials to desist from having any form of contact with match officials and also report any match official who contacts them.
The GFA President, Kurt Okraku also stated that there was an ongoing investigation into activities of clubs, club officials and match officials with respect to match fixing and betting issues as well as issues of under declaration of gate proceeds.
Following the formal announcement of Commissions on Sponsorship, the GFA informed clubs that the Association was positive of securing sponsorship from Corporate Ghana and support from government agencies.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
